Swansea City v Sheffield Wednesday - 20-21 Season - Issue 7

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 7 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Sheffield Wednesday Wednesday, November 25 - Kick-off 7.45pm

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CONTENTS Page 15 - City Business Network

Page 18 - Meet the Opposition

Page 22 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Yan Dhanda

Page 43 - #JacksAtHome Pictures

# JACKSATHOME

Polite Warning: The British courts have now imposed a standard minimum three-year ban from all football grounds for football-related arrests – both inside and outside the ground. CCTV is currently in operation inside and outside the stadium, while police are also using handheld video cameras.

Offences include: obscene or racist chanting or gesturing; consuming alcohol in seated areas; continual standing in seated areas; aggressive behaviour; going onto the pitch; throwing of items; drunk and disorderly behaviour or under the influence of drugs. Please note there is also a no-smoking policy within the stadium. If broken, you could be ejected. Sales of goods inside and outside the stadium is prohibited unless via official registered sellers. The club badge is a registered trademark and unauthorised use of it will not be permitted. High-quality cameras are not permitted inside the stadium.

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IF YOU WANT A SOUGHT-AFTER PROFESSION, WITH HIGH STARTING SALARIES AND THE FLEXIBILITY TO WORK IN ALL SECTORS, A CAREER IN ACCOUNTING MAY BE FOR YOU. All accounting courses at Swansea University are designed with your career in mind; offering Masters’ programmes aimed at both qualified accountants and those new to the field.

> EXPLORE OUR ACCOUNTING COURSES Lauren Wheeler, Associate at Bevan Buckland LLP and graduate of MSc Accounting and Finance*, said: “I studied mathematics for my undergraduate degree, but I wanted to ensure I had knowledge of a specific career pathway before leaving university.

I was so happy to have found the MSc Accounting and Finance conversion course at Swansea University – which is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)” *Now MSc International Accounting and Finance

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OS YDYCH YN CHWILIO AM YRFA Y MAE LLAWER O ALW AMDANI, GYDA CHYFLOGAU CYCHWYNNOL UCHEL A’R HYBLYGRWYDD I WEITHIO YM MHOB SECTOR, EFALLAI MAI GYRFA MEWN CYFRIFEG YW’R ATEB ICHI. Mae’r holl gyrsiau Cyfrifeg ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe wedi’u creu gyda’ch gyrfa mewn golwg, gan gynnig rhaglenni Meistr ar gyfer cyfrifwyr cymwys a’r rhai sy’n newydd i’r maes.

> ARCHWILIO EIN CYRSIAU CYFRIFEG Meddai Lauren Wheeler, Cydymaith yn Bevan Buckland LLP ac wedi graddio gyda gradd MSc mewn Cyfrifeg a Chyllid*: “Astudiais fathemateg ar gyfer fy ngradd israddedig, ond roeddwn am sicrhau fod gennyf yr wybodaeth am lwybr gyrfa benodol cyn gadael y brifysgol. Roeddwn wrth fy modd canfod y cwrs trosi MSc mewn Cyfrifeg a Chyllid ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe – sy’n cael ei achredu gan Gymdeithas Cyfrifwyr Ardystiedig Siartredig (ACCA)” *MSc mewn Cyfrifeg a Chyllid Rhyngwladol, bellach

WATCH ALL THE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES VISIT SWANSEACITY.COM

Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Jason Levien, Stuart McDonald, Martin Morgan, Gareth Davies, Julian Winter, Jake Silverstein, Sam Porter Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Cath Dyer Team Management Head Coach: Steve Cooper Assistant Coach: Mike Marsh Behind the Team Goalkeeping Coach: Martyn Margetson Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey Head of Performance Analysis: Steve Rands Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Academy Manager: Nigel Rees Staff: David Tivey, Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, Tom Goodall, Daniel Nisbett, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake, Ashley Gill, Steffan Popham

Senior Management Group Andrew Davies (Head of Operations, Facilities & Development); Gareth Davies (CFO); Rebecca Edwards-Symmons (Head of Commercial) Club Staff Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Assistant Football Secretary: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Legal Counsel, Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Commercial Marketing Manager: Katie Hughes Media Manager: Chris Barney Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Anthony Harry Disability Access Officer: Mark Phillips Community Trust Manager: Helen Elton Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

Programme Production Contributors: Alex Bennett, Julie Kissick, Alun Rhys Chivers, Chris Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Gwyn Rees Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, PA, REX Print: DWJ Group Ltd Swansea City AFC Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA10 2FA CP-D Dinas Abertawe Stadiwm Liberty, Landore, Abertawe, SA1 2FA Telephone/FfĂ´n: 01792 616606 Fax/Ffacs: 01792 616606 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

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SWANS CLOVER LADIES COAT WAS £39.99 OFFER PRICE £29.99

SWANS CHRISTMAS JUNIOR JUMPER WAS £19.99 OFFER PRICE £14.99

SWANS RETRO POLO WAS £24.99 OFFER PRICE £18.74 7

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood evening everyone as we look forward to tonight’s Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

contracting coronavirus, it meant we handed an opportunity for Liam Cullen to make his first start for the club.

It has only been a few days since we were last in action, but that ’s the nature of the congested season due to the current pandemic.

Liam has worked really hard to progress through the club’s academy and into the first-team fold, so it was a big moment for him, his family and everyone connected with the academy.

We picked up three well-earned points against Rotherham last weekend in a contest in which we really had to show both sides of our game.

Of course, our main objective is to win football matches by playing the Swansea Way, but the Championship demands you show a gritty, resilient side to your game too, and we certainly showed that in abundance against Rotherham.

It was a victory and performance that really pleased me.

Notoriously, we have not done well aft er the int ernational break, so it was nice to end that unwanted run.

With Andre Ayew sidelined and Viktor Gyokeres ruled out after

We could have sent him out on loan to gain valuable experience this season, but with the way he’s developed and improved while being part of the group we felt it was better for him to remain here. I thought he did well on the weekend, and hopefully that’s the first start of many for him.

It is a huge boost for the academy to see another of its graduates start for the first team. It should act as a huge carrot for all of the young players who are within our academy right now, and proves the opportunity is there if you work hard and show the right attitude.

It has been a tough time for many of the younger players who are in the academy, because they have been without training and games

due to the pandemic. But they are in very capable hands, with their best interests at the forefront, and we will make sure that they won’t miss out on progressing despite the lack of training and game-time. But I’m sure all those young players can look at Liam’s achievement and use that as a real motivation for them to continue progressing at the club.

I can’t mention the good work of the academy without paying tribute to Nigel Rees, who is set to leave the club after 12 years of service.

Nigel has done a great job as academy manager, and he can take a huge sense of pride from the numbers of players that have been coached and prepared for first-team football.

He is due to leave next month, but I’m sure everyone will be keen to thank him for his service and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.

Enjoy the game.

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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ood evening and welcome to all the Swansea City fans watching on from around the world as we take on Sheffield Wednesday.

We hope you enjoyed seeing us return to winning ways against Rotherham at the weekend, we have been on a good run of form at home and we are keen to try and keep that going tonight.

To have three wins and three clean sheets in a row at the Liberty is exactly the sort of form we want to be putting together at home.

We know how important home form is and – even though we wish you could be here to enjoy these victories with us – we are determined to try and keep it going.

I was pleased to get on the scoresheet myself, it had been a little while and I think it’s glaringly obvious that goals are something I need to add to my game, not just for myself but because it helps

the team to have as many players as possible chipping in.

That was my first goal in 19 months, and someone informed me it was my first goal from open play for Swansea in over five years, so I definitely want to make sure I’m not waiting as long again to find the net!

We created a lot of good chances in the game, but we also showed some real determination to see the game out at the end with guys making key clearances and it was great to see us show that resolve again.

We now face a Sheffield Wednesday side who will be looking to show what they are capable of under a new manager.

They will pose a similar threat to Rotherham, and we will have to be prepared to work hard and battle for everything, while looking to impose the way we want to play the game.

I also want to take the opportunity to give a special mention to Liam Cullen, who made his full debut for the club at the weekend.

I thought he was excellent. He ran his socks off and that’s the type of player that’s raring to go.

We had a couple of lads missing, but he’s stepped in and done a brilliant job for us.

There are a lot of other players that are biding their time like he was, putting in the hard work and looking for that chance to show what they can do.

It just adds to the depth and competition within the group and we must keep together as a squad and keep improving.

Enjoy the game.

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Ministry

Group

Ministry

Graphics

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M

ember Terry Sinnett focuses on the efforts and aims of the Supporters Trust in today’s column.

My previous programme notes provided some background on the structure of the Trust and a brief insight into what we do. The aims of the Trust are set out in our mission statement, which can be seen on our website www.swanstrust.co.uk/trust-aims and are:

Some ask why? Here are some very good reasons:

• To maintain a professional football club in Swansea.

• The Trust is run by its members.

• To bring the football club closer to its fans all over the world and within its local community.

• Members vote on how the Trust is run.

• To have elected representation on the board of Swansea City Football Club.

• To maintain and increase a stake in the club, in pursuance of the aims.

• To represent the views, needs and aims of our members (and supporters) at all times.

• To ensure we are an all-inclusive, positive and representative organisation that is open and accessible to all supporters regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, or religious/moral beliefs, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Trust is a democratic organisation with each member having a vote on all important matters and issues. The Trust board is elected by Trust members and usually serve for two years. You can see details of each Trust Board member at www.swanstrust.co.uk/meet-the-trust-board.

We are affiliate members of the FSA (Football Supporters’ Association), the umbrella organisation of Supporters’ Trusts and Supporter Clubs throughout England and Wales.

Membership continues to grow and, with a 50 per cent discount off membership rates available until December 31, there is never a better time to join.

• The Trust is the voice of the supporters.

• The Trust owns 21 per cent of Swansea City Football Club.

• The Trust influences the running of the club.

• Members vote on Trust policies.

• Members can join the Trust board.

The Trust is only as strong as its members. We need the whole Jack Army as members to ensure the interests of Swans supporters are well represented and to ensure the best possible future of our football club. You, your friends and family can join the Trust at www.swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust.

On the field, it was great to break that run of losing after an international break with the win over Rotherham.

It was disappointing, though, that we lost our long unbeaten away record at Norwich. We have missed some chances but have generally continued our fine form and style of play. Maintaining the feelgood factor is vital going into the next period up to Christmas, when two games a week will be played. This will test our squad of players and coaches to the full.

As supporters, we are all proud of the number of academy players that have progressed onto representing their country at senior and junior levels.

Special congratulations to Joe Rodon, who capped his rise by being handed the captain’s armband by Gareth Bale during the game against Finland, and Liam Cullen following his first start against Rotherham. Two fantastic achievements by Swansea City products.

Enjoy the game #YJB

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SUCCESSFUL START TO SEASON FOR CITY BUSINESS NETWORK

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he City Business Network kicked off its first meeting of the season as local firms joined us for a virtual event.

discussing how he is settling into the club and the city, while head of commercial Rebecca EdwardsSymmons shared her knowledge of the industry.

The event, entitled ‘Survive, Revive and Thrive’, allowed the elite of Swansea businesses to explore the challenges and opportunities the current global crisis poses to the business community.

She said: “ We are more than just networking, the City Business Network has been specifically created to enhance your brand through our powerful club assets, and we invite you to be part of this journey with us.

The event, hosted by Sioned Dafydd, featuring guest speakers Danni Watts-Jones of DWJ Wealth Management, Phil Jones of SOFit Outdoors and Nia Godsmark of Peter Lynn & Partners. They shared their expertise and knowledge on how to address these unprecedented times in terms of financial stability, employee mental health and wellbeing, whilst also providing useful hints and tips in navigating your way through the complexities of the legal framework.

Swansea City’s new chief executive, Julian Winter, held a question and answer session along with

“IT ’S ALL ABOUT THE COMMUNITY, OUR CITY AND OUR CLUB.” The event was the first of many that will be held this season, with the next event - Unity In Community - set to take place on December 10.

You can register your attendance by emailing cbn@swanseacity.com.

VISIT SWANSEACITY.COM/COMMERCIAL/CITY-BUSINESS-NETWORK TO FIND OUT MORE 15

HELPING FAMILIES ENJOY FOOTBALL AT HOME The ‘homemade waste pipe goal’. Waste pipes, push-fit knuckle bends and some barrier fencing. It doesn’t seem like much, but sometimes it’s all you need to transform your garden into a proper footy pitch.

OFFICIAL TRADE & HARDWARE RETAIL PARTNER

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J

acob Jones was a special guest as Swansea City Community Trust continued their virtual Premier League Kicks programme by delivering a workshop dedicated to Anti-Bullying Week.

“With the pressures of social media and the dangers that go with it, as well as the dangers in life during this pandemic, it’s important that the kids are aware of bullying and when to talk to someone.

The Kicks initiative uses the power of football and value of sports participation to help youngsters in some of the most high-need areas across England and Wales.

“IT’S CRUCIAL FOR THE KIDS TO SPEAK OUT AND NOT BE AFRAID TO SEEK HELP. THAT’S CRITICAL FOR STOPPING BULLYING AND NOT ALLOWING IT TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.”

This was the third workshop of a 10-week online programme – devised after local lockdown restrictions led to the cancellation of several outside football sessions.

Joined by Swansea City Under-23s defender Jones, the Kicks participants learned about the different forms of bullying and the effects it has on young people via an insightful presentation.

They were then put through their paces with a Question of Sport-themed quiz which included a picture round, spot the ball and sporting anagrams.

This was followed by a Q&A session with Jones, who described his journey through the academy ranks with his boyhood club, as well as offering his advice on how to deal with bullying.

“It was very, very good to be involved,” he said.

“I think it’s an excellent programme that the Trust runs to get the youngsters involved and teach them important life skills.

Gemma Davies, Premier League Inspires co-ordinator at the Trust, added, “We are very excited to support Anti-Bullying week.

“Running workshops across Swansea about the impact of bullying, allows us to support young people to identify different forms of bullying, and how it can affect their social, mental and emotional health.

“Working as a team with our partner schools and young people, we can help to reduce bullying together.”

To register for the virtual Kicks programme visit form.jotform.com/SwansTrust/KicksClub For more information, please contact jamiethomas@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk

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SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

FACT FILE THE GAFFER

OWNER

NICKNAME

The Owls

1867

@swfc

@swfcofficial

@sheffieldwednesday

Hillsborough Stadium

1899

39,732

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY

The Welshman was recently appointed as Garry Monk’s successor at Hillsborough. A qualified FA coach by the age of 19, with a UEFA A-licence at the age of 21, Pulis was one of the youngest professional players to have gained the qualification, and took his first steps in management as player-manager with the Cherries in 1992.

He has since managed Gillingham, Bristol City, Portsmouth, Stoke (twice), Plymouth, Crystal Palace, West Brom and Middlesbrough, enjoying his greatest success with the Potters, leading them to the Premier League and the 2011 FA Cup final.

CLUB CAPTAIN

Bannan was given the armband at the start of this season, replacing Tom Lees as skipper. The experienced midfielder has racked up over 200 appearances for the Owls during five years at Hillsborough.

The winner of 27 Scotland caps, Bannan has been an ever-present in the heart of Wednesday’s midfield so far this season.

The 30-year-old, who started out at Aston Villa, has also played for Derby, Blackpool, Leeds, Crystal Palace and Bolton during his career.

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FOUNDED

Dejphon Chansiri

BARRY BANNAN TONY PULIS

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION Wednesday are now in their ninth consecutive Championship season since being promoted to the second tier following a second-place finish in League One in 2012.

They came close to returning to the Premier League twice under former Swans boss Carlos Carvalhal – in 2016 and 2017 – but have not finished higher than 12th in the three years since.

It is now 20 years since the Owls last appeared in the top flight, and almost 30 years since their only major trophy – the 1991 League Cup. They went on to reach the FA Cup and League Cup finals two years later.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S FORM Wednesday got back on track just before the international break, with four points from two games. That came after a run of four consecutive defeats, and the Owls also lost to Preston on the weekend. However, the decision to reduce their pre-season points deduction from 12 to six has moved them off the bottom of the Championship table.

Away form is a cause for concern for the Owls, who have lost five of their last six away from Hillsborough – scoring just once during that span.

THE KEY MEN The departure of last season’s top scorer Steven Fletcher left a substantial void for the Owls to fill in attack.

They certainly strengthened in numbers following the acquisitions of Elias Kachunga from Huddersfield and Derby loanee Jack Marriott, but both are still looking to hit their stride in South Yorkshire – as is the well-travelled Jordan Rhodes.

The other summer arrivals include former Wigan midfielder Josh Windass, while Izzy Brown and Aden Flint have arrived on loan from Chelsea and Cardiff respectively.

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ONES TO WATCH

JOSH WINDASS

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Windass completed a permanent move to Hillsborough in the summer following an initial loan spell during the second half of last season. The attacking midfielder made a bright start to life with the Owls; winning the club’s player of the month award for September after two goals in his first five appearances. The son of former Hull and Bradford striker Dean, he began his EFL career with Accrington Stanley, before spending two seasons apiece with Rangers and Wigan.

POSITION

MF

NATION

AGE

POSITION

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Reach is now in his fifth season with Wednesday having arrived from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2016. The winger, who can also play at fullback, is rapidly approaching 200 appearances for the Owls. The former England youth international began his career at Boro, for whom he played 78 times in all competitions, while he also spent time out on loan at Darlington, Shrewsbury, Bradford and Preston.

ADAM REACH

NATION

AGE

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JACK MARRIOTT Marriott was a deadline-day arrival at Hillsborough as he joined from Derby on a seasonlong loan. The striker helped the Rams reach the Championship play-off final in 2019, scoring two goals in the semi-final victory over Leeds at Elland Road. Marriott began his career at Ipswich, but spent most of his time with the Tractor Boys out on loan. He subsequently turned out for Luton and Peterborough, where a prolific spell led to him joining Derby in the summer of 2018.

POSITION

MF

NATION

AGE

POSITION

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NATION

AGE

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26 FW

NATION

AGE

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In August, Brown joined Wednesday from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.

He may only be 23, but the attacking midfielder already brings bundles of EFL experience to Hillsborough.

Brown has already turned out for Rotherham, Leeds and Luton in the second tier along with Huddersfield, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

He made the step-up to the top-flight the following season with Brighton.

Another summer arrival from Cardiff, Paterson joined Wednesday for an undisclosed fee in September. The Scotland international, who has over 15 caps to his name, was part of the side that booked their place at the European Championship finals earlier this month.

Used primarily as an attacker, Paterson is also capable of playing as a midfielder and defender. He began his career at Hearts, where he played over 150 times, before making over 100 appearances for Cardiff.

IZZY BROWN

CALLUM PATERSON 21

SWANSEA CITY 1 ROTHERHAM UNITED 0

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: MATTHEW DONOHUE

MATCH REPORT M

att Grimes scored his first goal in 19 months to help Swansea City make it three home wins in a row against Rotherham.

The captain volleyed home the winner in the 28th minute, with the Swans unable to convert a number of chances to make the game safe.

That meant they needed to show real grit to see out the win as Rotherham threw everything at them in the closing stages, with Connor Roberts and Korey Smith clearing off the line.

But, in the end, head coach Steve Cooper could reflect on another home win, and another clean sheet in SA1 as his side climbed to fourth in the Championship table.

Liam Cullen made his first start for the Swans as one of four changes from the defeat at Norwich.

And the Swans were on top from the outset, with Cullen forcing a sharp save from Jamal Blackman when he met a corner.

It was another set-piece that brought the winner, Blackman punching the ball out to Grimes, who kept his strike low as it flew through a crowd of players into the net.

Jamal Lowe hit the post as Swansea looked to press on, while Jake Bidwell and Yan Dhanda were denied

by Wes Harding and Blackman respectively.

Ryan Bennett and Roberts then kept out a Michael Smith header, before Smith cleared after Freddie Woodman had been unable to gather a corner as the Swans took the points.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett, Kyle Naughton; Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Yan Dhanda (Kasey Palmer 77); Liam Cullen (Wayne Routledge 73), Jamal Lowe (Korey Smith 87).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ryan Manning, Tivonge Rushesha, Oli Cooper, Daniel Williams.

Rotherham United: Jamal Blackman; Matt Olosunde (Trevor Clarke 46), Michael Ihiekwe (captain), Angus MacDonald, Wes Harding; Jamie Lindsay (Mickel Miller 46), Dan Barlaser, Matt Crooks; Florian Jozefzoon (Kyle Vassell), George Hirst (Michael Smith 54), Ben Wiles.

Subs not used: Viktor Johansson, Adam Thompson, Billy Jones.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “ONCE I GOT IN THE FIRST-TEAM SET-UP BACK IN JANUARY, I’VE WORKED HARD EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THIS DAY. I’M GLAD I FINALLY GOT IT AND HOPEFULLY I CAN KICK ON NOW AND KEEP GOING.” LIAM CULLEN ON HIS FIRST START

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2018 GlobalData UK Market Analyzer (released Aug 2019)

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

I

sincerely hope no Swansea City fan with a heart condition was watching the closing stages of our 1-0 win against Rotherham on Saturday!

Pulis, who replaced former Swan Garry Monk, saw his side go a man down within the first 20 minutes of the game.

I felt as though I had developed one by the time the ref put his whistle to his mouth to signal the end of the game.

They’ll be looking to regain their discipline and get something out of tonight, especially as they sit in the relegation places in 23rd going into the match.

What drama! As much as we all like the excitement of a competitive match, I think we probably all have enough of that in our lives at the moment, so let’s hope for less of it against tonight’s visitors Sheffield Wednesday.

You might recall seeing Pulis on EFL Quest last season where he spoke in glowing terms about the job our gaffer Steve Cooper had done since taking the helm.

That said, it was very encouraging to see Matt Grimes back in the starting 11 and I’m sure he was delighted to get the goal. There were some encouraging displays, especially from Connor Roberts, who unsurprisingly returned from international duty with a real spring in his step.

And to get three points minus Andre Ayew and Marc Guehi was a decent afternoon’s work, especially for Liam Cullen, who made his first league start, 14 years after being club mascot for the visit of Rotherham – back in 2006. What a brilliant story.

But there is no time to revel in the success of past victories in the Championship because Saturday is done and dusted, we’re back at it and doubtless looking for another three points this evening.

One of Newport’s most famous sons, Tony Pulis, is back in Wales today, as he has just taken over the helm at the Owls.

His new tenure didn’t start well as his side fell to a defeat at the hands of Preston North End, having played most of the game with 10 men.

Pulis said at the time: “I’ve been really impressed with Swansea. I think Steve has done a great job.

He’s kept the identity of the football club and the way the team plays. Their results and performances this season have been fantastic.”

That was just over a year ago, but it would be fair to say the same applies of this campaign.

I know with all the upheaval of life in general as a result of Covid-19 and the fact that we’re all watching on screens rather than in the ground, it is easy to slip into a negative mentality but we’ve got a lot of positives to focus on when it comes to football.

Our gaffer praised the ‘positives’ after the game on Saturday and there were a number of them – including academy product Cullen’s full debut and the important matters of three points and a clean sheet.

And to get a win without two key figures is another.

It will give the players a boost knowing they can get the results when it matters.

Let’s be thankful for the beautiful game, eh?! Stay safe all.

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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG

BY ALUN RHYS CHIVERS, GOLWG

Y

tro diwethaf i fi ysgrifennu fan hyn, roedd y byd pêl-droed – a’r byd yn gyffredinol – yn dechrau ymgyfarwyddo â’r “normal newydd” yn sgil Covid-19. Roedd protocolau llym ar y caeau ymarfer a’r stadiymau, egwyl hanner ffordd drwy’r hanner, a phum eilydd yn cael dod i’r cae. Os yw’r feirws wedi dysgu un peth i ni, sut mae gwneud pethau’n wahanol yw’r peth hwnnw.

Cael defnyddio pum eilydd wrth enwi carfan o 20 chwaraewr ar ddiwrnod gemau yw ’r peth mwyaf synhwyrol. Does fawr o ots gan Steve Cooper, meddai, ond gallai fod o fudd ar adegau prysura’r tymor i’r chwaraewyr, yn enwedig y bois rhyngwladol. Efallai y bydd yr Elyrch yn ddiolchgar yn y pen draw am yr hyblygrwydd o gael tynnu mwy o chwaraewyr oddi ar y cae yn y gemau i ddod.

Un person fydd ddim yn dychwelyd i’r Liberty heno yw’r cyn-gapten a rheolwr Garry Monk, sydd wedi ymweld yn gyson dros y tymhorau diwethaf.

Er gwaetha’r “normal newydd”, does gan reolwyr ddim imiwnedd yn erbyn colli’u swyddi, a dyna ddigwyddodd i Monk a’i staff yn ddiweddar ar ôl 14 mis wrth y llyw yn Hillsborough.

A bod yn deg â Monk, dechreuodd y clwb ar -12 pwynt y tymor hwn am or-wario, a gafodd ei haneru yn ddiweddarach i -6. Mae wedi costio’n ddrud i’r tîm sydd yn safleoedd y gwymp, ar yr un nifer o bwyntiau â Derby (sydd, yn ôl adroddiadau, yn cwrso Steve Cooper). Adeg diswyddo Monk, roedd Sheffield Wednesday wedi ennill tair gêm a chael tair gyfartal allan o 11.

Yn anffodus, mae Monk wedi magu enw fel rheolwr sy’n ei chael hi’n anodd aros mewn swyddi yn y tymor hir. Ers gadael Abertawe yn 2014, mae e wedi rheoli pedwar tîm – Leeds, Middlesbrough, Birmingham a Sheffield Wednesday. Mae’n deg dweud na chafodd e fawr o lwyddiant yn unman wedi’r Elyrch.

Ond does dim modd cyhuddo’r Cymro sydd wedi ei olynu yn Hillsborough o ddiffyg llwyddiant.

Mae Tony Pulis wedi hen arfer â brwydrau i achub timau. Hon fydd gêm rhif 1,125 gyrfa reoli’r cynamddiffynnwr sydd wedi magu enw am adeiladu timau amddiffynnol gadarn os nad yn negyddol.

Ar ôl dechrau hyfforddi yn Bournemouth, lle’r oedd yn cynorthwyo Harry Redknapp cyn ei olynu, aeth yn ei flaen i Gillingham gan ennill dyrchafiad ar y cynnig cyntaf ac yna i gemau ail gyfle’r Adran Gyntaf yn 1999 (cyn colli yn erbyn Manchester City!).

Aeth wedyn i Bristol City, Portsmouth, a Plymouth hefyd rhwng dau gyfnod yn Stoke, lle gwnaeth e eu hachub nhw yn y Bencampwriaeth yn 2002-03 cyn ennill dyrchafiad i’r Uwch Gynghrair yn 2008, cyrraedd ffeinal Cwpan FA Lloegr a chymhwyso ar gyfer Cynghrair Europa. Ers hynny, mae e wedi achub Crystal Palace gan ennill Rheolwr y Flwyddyn y tymor canlynol, cyn symud i West Brom ac yna i Middlesbrough lle cyrhaeddodd e’r gemau ail gyfle a dod o fewn trwch blewyn eto’r tymor canlynol.

Hon yw ei unfed swydd ar ddeg yn rheolwr.

Dydy gemau rhwng dau reolwr o Gymru ddim yn digwydd yn aml. Mwynhewch!

27

Q&A WITH YAN DHANDA

Age: 21 Position: Midfielder Nationality: English

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AN OLD SAYING STATES GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT. THAT COULDN’T BE MORE APPROPRIATE FOR YAN DHANDA, THE MAN WHO ONCE TURNED DOWN A MOVE TO CHELSEA AND WENT ON TO WORK UNDER SOME OF THE GAME’S FINEST COACHES AT LIVERPOOL. AFTER SHOWING EARLY PROMISE, PATIENCE HAS BEEN THE KEY WORD FOR THE MIDFIELDER WHO IS NOW STARTING TO MAKE HIS MARK AT SWANSEA CITY. Yan, there’s quite a bit to cover here, but let’s start in the present. The season has gone well for the team so far. How do you look at it from your perspective?

I had to wait quite patiently at the start of the season to get my chance, but I knew I’d trained hard. When I got my opportunity against Stoke I felt I took it. I went close to scoring by hitting the post, but I then started against Blackburn and Brentford so that was good for me. I played well in those games and got an assist against Blackburn, so I was happy with my performances.

Patience has been key to your season so far but, with that in mind, is it difficult to stop yourself from trying too much to impress rather than sticking to your role and responsibilities?

Before Stoke, I kept thinking to myself that this was my chance and I had to take it. But, as the game went on, I played as I normally would and I figured out that it was the best thing to do. I got on the ball as much as possible as I knew I could make things happen.

Just let things flow naturally and not overthink it – that was the best approach.

You achieved something for the first time this season – starting three consecutive games. What did that do for you?

Staying in the team has grown my confidence and I feel fitter each game. We haven’t lost yet since I started, so I think I’m a lucky omen! It gives you a bit of consistency too in terms of your performance, and I’ve been really happy with my performances. Starting against Stoke gave me the opportunity, and after that I got an assist for Andre in the win over Blackburn, then played my part in the draw at Brentford. For me, it’s about working hard and getting on the ball to create chances for the team.

Since you arrived from Liverpool in 2018, you’ve made 31 appearances and scored four goals in all competitions.

How do you reflect on your time in Swansea so far?

I feel it’s gone well so far – four goals in 31 appearances is not a bad ratio particularly when I’ve not had a long run in the team. The lads and coaches know that I love scoring, so I’m always shooting in training. With a run in the team, hopefully I can add to my tally. It’s been a decent start, but I’m confident there’s a lot more to come from me.

One of those four goals came in sensational circumstances. Your first touch in senior football led to a goalscoring debut and a 2-1 win at Sheffield United on the opening day of the 2018-19 campaign.

It was extra special given that your dad Jaz was in the away end with the Jack Army.

It was an incredible moment. That is a moment you dream of. I remember the ball coming my way and thinking ‘just be calm and you’ll score’. The ball went in and I remember running to the corner to celebrate in front of the fans. Then I got to celebrate with my dad behind the goal, and it was just an unforgettable moment. He’s spent so much of his time driving me around everywhere, and giving me great advice, so it was a special moment. My cousin, who is my best friend, went to watch with my dad too, so it was fate and was worth all the sacrifices we’ve made.

Steve Cooper recently said in a press conference that one of his regrets last season was not giving you enough opportunities. What did you make of that?

I obviously speak to the gaffer a lot on a one-to-one basis. I trusted he would give me the opportunities to show what I can do – then it’s down to me. It was nice to hear him say in that in the media, but ultimately it’s up to me to show what I can do on the pitch.

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You made six appearances in your first season in SA1. That’s not a lot of game-time, but was it a big learning experience?

It was the first time I had been in a first-team environment, and looking back now, playing six games was good for me. I felt back then that I was ready for more games, but the gaffer at the time (Graham Potter) felt I wasn’t ready, and he was right. It was a good platform for me, though.

I made over three times as many appearances last season compared to my first, and it was a big plus for me. It was a long and strange season, but we coped well and got to the semi-finals of the playoffs. I chipped in with some goals too, and I think the season went really well from a personal and team perspective. It was about building on the previous season, and in terms of development and game-time I felt it was a big step forward for me.

W i t h s u c h a b u s y s c h e d u l e, i s d o w n - t i m e important? What do you do to relax?

Well, I love playing Fifa on Playstation, so when I’m not physically playing football then I’m playing football on the computer with my friends. Aside from that, I walk my bulldog Vinnie with my partner Sofie down the beach. We live near Gowerton, we’ve just moved there, so we love getting Vinnie out for a walk. My favourite is Swansea beach, because I love popping in for a coffee at the Secret Café. Sofie’s favourite is Three Cliffs Bay – that’s a nice one too. But it’s very important to not only relax but to make the most of your surroundings too. When I first moved I found it very different to how it was in Birmingham and Liverpool. As I’ve got a little older, I prefer living here because it’s very chilled and everyone is really polite and has manners. I feel safe, happy and there’s nowhere better in the sun.

You were at Liverpool before your move here. That must have been a fantastic education working under some great managers?

I benefited a lot from the coaches and managers I played under while at Liverpool. Pepijn Lijnders is now Jurgen Klopp’s assistant, while Michael Beale is assistant with Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

Neil Critchley, who is Blackpool manager now with Mick Garrity as his assistant, were two I also worked under. Obviously, I trained under

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both Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers, along with working with Mike Marsh who is with us at Swansea. It was a brilliant football education there and I worked with some of the best coaches, but I must say the gaffer here and Marshy have really helped me develop. They’ve improved me a lot since they’ve been here.

It’s fair to say you had some decent team-mates during your time in the Liverpool youth sides.

It wasn’t a bad side at all! We had Trent AlexanderArnold, George Johnson, he’s at Feyenoord now, Rhian Brewster – I don’t need to say any more about him! – along with Herbie Kane (Barnsley), Bobby Adekanye (Lazio), Pedro Chirivella and Harry Wilson.

You are good friends with one current Reds star in particular, I understand?

Yeah, me and Trent were in the same class at school. We grew up from the age of 14 and I know his family really well. We went to Rainhill School - it’s where Liverpool’s academy players are educated – and we were best friends. It’s great to see Trent doing so well at club and international level.

That friendship came up trumps for a certain Champions League game against Barcelona.

I don’t think many people gave Liverpool a chance because they were 3-0 down from the first leg.

But I know Liverpool, and how Anfield is on a Champions League night game. So I just text Trent and he sorted me some tickets. It was the best game I’ve ever been to! I didn’t ask him for tickets for the final though – his family is more important so it was best he would get them for his family first.

You left West Brom to join Liverpool when a certain former Swans boss was in charge. How did you find working under Brendan Rodgers?

I trained a lot under Brendan with the first team.

I was only about 16, and I went away to Madrid and Tenerife along with other training camps, and it was amazing. Learning under Brendan, Colin Pascoe and Marshy really helped me. They opened my eyes up tactically. I was training with Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard.

What an experience!

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Your career path could have taken a different turn but you opted to down an offer to join Chelsea after winning their Search for an Asian Soccer Star in 2010. Not many kids give up an opportunity to join one of England’s biggest clubs at such an early age.

That was a crazy time. I played in a number of games and took part in different sessions and drills during the tournament. I won the fitness test for my age group, my team won the tournament and I was named best player. So I cleaned up, but I was confident in my ability and I just went out and did what I knew I could do. I still have the Chelsea shirt I was given for winning the tournament, which is a good reminder of what I did. It’s framed and on the wall in my house.

I had a lot of interest from clubs after that, but I was happy at West Brom at the time, so I felt I didn’t need to move. We had a good team there too, so I opted to stay there. Later on, it was down to deciding between Liverpool and Arsenal, so I’m happy with my decision to move to Anfield.

While at Liverpool you became the first player of Indian heritage to join the Reds. You are very proud of your roots, so that must have been a big moment for you and your family?

I’m super proud of my background and where my grandparents are from. I take that everywhere I go. If I am a role model for British Asians then I see that as a big positive. If they can take belief and confidence from seeing what I’ve managed to do so far then that’s great. Hopefully more British Asians can make it in football. To be the first player of Indian heritage to sign for Liverpool was a big moment for me, but it’s disappointing not to have seen more British Asian players break through since then.

You went to visit your grandparents’ roots in India last year. What did that trip involve?

photos from that trip because it makes me smile so much. The people were amazing, and I want to go back every year.

Sadly, you encountered racism on and off the pitch at an early age. How did you deal with that?

It didn’t affect me as much as I can see how it affects other people because I just knew that I was a better person than those making the comments. I was always taught to ignore and be the bigger and better person. I’d play football and in my first year at school I knew I was better than the lads in the last year. They’d say silly things and I just used that as motivation to shove those words down their throats.

I always remember the people who said something to put me down or were racist towards me. I see them messaging me on Twitter asking for signed shirts or boots – they think I’ve forgotten what they said when I was younger, but I haven’t. It still drives me on today. But it affects people in different ways, and I know a lot of work is being done at the moment to kick it out.

The recent comments by former FA chairman Greg Clarke must have been really disappointing, particularly when football is trying to be more inclusive.

It was very disappointing. What he said about stereotyping Asian people with certain jobs really hit me. In another way, it just proved what I’ve been saying for many years about Asian people getting stereotyped. After he said that, people can’t ignore it. What he said about women’s football was not acceptable – I know girls who play football and that really affected me too. More work and education needs to be done, clearly.

That was the best thing I’ve done in my life away from football. It was the first time I’d been to India. Just being with people and giving them a Swansea shirt or cap was like I was giving them a million pounds.

I met people who had never been given a present – they had the biggest smile you could ever see. For me, to make so many people smile and be happy was the most incredible thing. I went out to Punjab, as that is where my grandparents grew up, along with Delhi. We visited orphanages and schools for skills sessions and play football – it was about 50-a-side - and do Q&As. I still look back at the videos and

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T

JACK THE LAD

here was a hugely significant moment just after an hour of the recent Wales v Finland match.

When Wales captain Gareth Bale was withdrawn by Robert Page, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee passed the armband to his new club mate Joe Rodon.

Now I know the young centre half is no longer at the Swans, but it was a huge moment for the player, his family, the club and the city.

Although Rodon is now playing for Spurs in the Premier League, the man from Llangyfelach is a Jack through and through.

As the saying goes, “Once a Jack . . .”

And they don’t come much more of a Jack than Rodon. Seeing him pulling on the captain’s armband was a huge moment for me as a fan of the Swans and Wales.

I wonder how Cardiff City fans might have reacted to him being passed the armband?

Another Wales captain with a massive Swansea connection was given a rough ride by some of Wales’ Cardiff City-supporting fanbase after taking over the role.

But Ashley Williams turned the boos into cheers as he became Wales’ most successful captain whilst also leading the Swans.

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The fact that the armband went to a Swans Academy product speaks volumes about his standing within Wales’ senior s q u a d , d e s p i t e h i s re l at i ve international inexperience.

Hopefully Rodon can follow in Ash’s footsteps and become his country’s regular skipper.

It won’t be quite the same now Joe has left, but wouldn’t it be fantastic if a born-and-bred Swansea boy could lead his country with the same distinction and success enjoyed by Ash. Rodon’s rise to the Wales senior squad is something we should all be immensely proud of because, in one way or another, we have all played a part, no matter how small.

I know there may be some Swans fans who don’t follow international football, and I also know that not all Swans fans are Welsh.

B ut Rodon’s rise is another indication of not only the depth of talent we have here in this part of south west Wales, but also the ability and willingness to allow that talent to flourish and fulfil its potential. Surely that has got to be good for the Swans whatever your international allegiances or interest?

Welsh football is arguably in the strongest position it has enjoyed throughout its 144-year history.

The only other time the national team achieved the recent level of success was back in 1958, when we qualified for the World Cup for the one and only time.

There is one huge similarity between that success and the current strength of Welsh football . . . the Swansea connection.

B a c k i n 1 9 5 8 , t h e r e wa s a clutch of players like the Charles brothers, the Allchurch brothers, Cliff Jones, Terry Medwin and Jack Kelsey, who originated from the Swansea area, who helped Wales reached the quarter-finals.

I don’t think there can be much arguing with the fact that when the Swans are strong, Wales are strong.

J ust look back to the early 1980s when the Swans were in the old First Division, the Wales side was dominated by players from the club and came within a hair’s breadth of qualifying for the 1982 World Cup. They also enjoyed their biggest-ever win over old rivals England.

And there is no doubting the Swansea Way is stamped all over this current Welsh squad, which must surely be in a better position going forward than we have ever been.

Townhill’s Chris Coleman took a heavily Swans-influenced Wales squad to the semi-finals of the 2016 Euros and that influence is

still very much in evidence under the Ryan Giggs regime.

Cooper, Joe Lewis, Oliver Cooper, Lewis Webb and Daniel Williams.

L ike R odon, they may have moved on, but the likes of Joe Allen, Ben Davies, Dan James and Josh Sheehan in this Wales squad are very much “made in Swansea”.

G o a little younger and the under-19 and under-17 squads are also heavily loaded with our youngsters including Tivonge Rushesha, Cameron Evans and many more.

A n d t h e n yo u h a ve c u r r e n t Swans, Connor Roberts and Ben Cabango, who are very much part of Wales’ bright future.

T he Nations L eague format may be new and unfamiliar and it obviously doesn’t carry the prestige of the World Cup and the European Championships, but the significance of Wales’ promotion to Division A should not be underestimated.

Connor and Ben are unlikely to be the only Swans players in the senior national squad for long.

Take a look through the Welsh age-group sides and Swansea City crops up an awful lot next to the players’ names.

Given Wales’ current policy of giving young players a chance to shine, there should be opportunities to impress for the likes of Liam Cullen, Brandon

It is a massive achievement and could play a significant role in Wales’ qualification to European Championships and World Cups through second chance play-off places.

When the draw for the qualifying stages of the 2022 World Cup takes place on December 7,

Wales will be in the second pot of seeds – a far cry from the days of being drawn out of pots three, four and five in the past.

And playing in the top-flight Nations League matches will e x p o s e We l s h p l a y e r s t o a higher level of competition on a regular basis.

At the centre of that will be Swansea City players. The Swans can only benefit from the experience that will bring to our players and the exposure it will bring to the club.

It’s not just the current senior internationals who will benefit, but also those coming through the Welsh system . . . including those young Swans mentioned above.

Here’s to a successful future for the Swans and Wales . . . like the Welsh FA motto says: Together Stronger.

C’mon you Swans!

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SWANS ACADEMY

BY NIGEL REES

G

ood evening everybody/noswaith da pawb. It has been a very positive week for the academy with all age groups from under-nines to under-16 having returned to training.

The environment is vibrant and energetic, and the players have shown a great attitude on their return. The first two weeks of the training schedule will allow the players to regain some general fitness before we enter into a reduced-games programme during the period before Christmas. The key word is patience, both in term of training and well-being, and the big emphasis is on enjoyment. A big thank you to all the parents for their patience and support during this period and a big well done to all the academy staff for implementing a new training schedule at such short notice. Everybody at the club has worked towards regaining a sense of normality and all staff deserve praise for the hard work and commitment shown to get us up and running.

Due to programme deadlines, I’m writing this before the under-23s host Charlton on Tuesday, but it’s important to point out we have had 17 players involved in this season’s international programme.

Cameron Congreve, Ruben Davies, Josh Edwards, Tyler Evans, Aaron Hillier, Harri Jones, Kai Ludvigsen, Josh Thomas, Cian Williams, Jacob Jones, Daniel Williams, Oli Cooper, Liam Cullen, Brandon Cooper, Ben Cabango, Tivonge Rushesha and Lewis Webb have all been involved and have all made positive impacts in the games schedule.

The under-18s recently beat Colchester United. The players are now settling into a good rhythm of training and playing since their return and all the hard work is evident in the last few games. The performance is the key to development and the players continue to progress at a very healthy rate. The next fixture for the group is against Ipswich Town. Both clubs have agreed to play at a neutral venue to help with the current issues surrounding Covid. The game will be played at St George’s Park which offers both clubs excellent facilities. The under-18s have drawn QPR at home in the FA Youth Cup, which will be played n December 8.

As an academy, we will shortly.be going through the process of making decisions on the players who will be awarded scholarships for the new season. As I’ve stated previously, a scholarship is a two-year agreement between the club and the academy player, which provides a full-time football development and education programme. This is a very difficult period for the players and can unsettle some of the individuals particularly in the current circumstances.

The under-15/16 squad as a whole has had a very difficult period during the past nine months, but the players have been a credit to the academy. Decisions on players are taken very seriously and the process is undertaken over a number of weeks with the final decision being taken by a dedicated recruitment panel that incorporates representation from all academy departments.

During the next few months, a number of our fixtures would normally be held indoors and take the format of futsal tournaments and festivals. This ensures that disruption to games is kept to a minimum and that our players have as much game time as possible.

Being involved in different game formats helps the development of our players and exposes them to different challenges. With the Covid outbreak this process may be interrupted but the games are always eagerly awaited by the lads.

A big thank you to all our ground staff for the hard work they have undertaken during the past few months. In spite of uncertain weather conditions and heavy rainfall the academy pitches remain in very good condition. In addition, the under-23s train at Landore currently and the number of games and training sessions played there has risen significantly this year, but the ground staff have all been very supportive and understanding in ensuring that we can accommodate as many games and sessions as possible as well as keeping our pitches in top class condition.

Enjoy the game this evening.

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EXPERIENCE WILL ONLY STRENGTHEN US

I

an Owen believes Swansea City Ladies’ Champions League experience will only strengthen their development as a side moving forward.

It is just over a fortnight since the Swans put in a battling performance to be proud of against Cypriot champions Apollon Ladies as they exited Europe’s elite club competition.

General manager Owen accepts the Swans were always likely to be up against it due to the stature of their opposition; a fully professional side who had reached the knock-out stages of the tournament on a number of previous occasions.

However, he believes that the experience of playing against a team as strong as Apollon showed that there is more to come from his side. “(The experience) will help us immensely. The result is disappointing and every Welsh team would like to get out of that qualifying stage and get into the knockout stages, but it wasn’t to be,” said Owen.

“But collectively we were absolutely awesome so, as an experience and as a way of bringing the team together, it just showed that there are more gears to our game.

“WE WERE UP AGAINST A PROFESSIONAL TEAM WHO WERE JUST BETTER THAN US, BUT THE PERFORMANCE FROM OUR GIRLS WAS JUST IMMENSE.” And, despite the result , Owen also revealed that proving their ability to compete against a fully professional side had provided a real boost of confidence to a Swansea team whose players combine their football with holding down full-time jobs.

“That sense of confidence came from them knowing how well they did,” added Owen. “ We can’t legislate for teams that are professional and have players that have played all around the world.

“We can’t do anything about that, but what we could do was give our all, which is what the girls did.

“You could see the mood amongst the players was very buoyant because they all knew that they did really well.

“It gives us a lot to take forward.”

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FAN FOCUS CRISTIANO CORRÊA SOARES ABOUT CRISTIANO Name: Cristiano Corrêa Soares Age: 35 From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How long have you been supporting the Swans?

Since 2013.

What was the first Swans game you attended/ watched on TV? Valencia 0-3 Swansea in the Europa League at the Mestalla. Wow, what a game, what a result to start!

What is your most memorable Swans moment?

I have several memorable moments. I think we have been spoiled in that regard. While the team was in the Premier League, each game was memorable, the qualification for last season’s play-offs was also memorable. Even though I didn’t watch the League Cup final, when I saw the replay I also found it unforgettable. To win the club’s first major trophy in its centenary year was very fitting.

Why did you start supporting the Swans?

It was love at first sight, and over time that love grew. Swansea is sensational. This is a different, passionate team in my opinion.

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Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?

Trying to watch the games when I’m at work! I’m stressed because I want to watch the game and sometimes I can’t resist and I take a look at my mobile phone to see the updates (don’t tell my boss!)

Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?

I wear our beautiful shirt, prepare my flags, and take the photo to submit to the club’s official Twitter account for #JacksAtHome.

Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?

I can’t separate Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wilfried Bony and Ashley Williams. These players marked the beginning of when I started rooting for Swansea.

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?

Without doubt , relegation from the Premier League in 2018.

What makes Swansea City special to you?

Swansea is a club, a team where you feel a different emotion.

Despite being far away in Brazil, being part of this fanbase, this club, this family – it really makes you feel special. I’m proud to wear the badge in Brazil, and I am involved in a football team that plays in Swansea City shirts. So we are well known as a football club over here!

Who is your favourite current player, and why?

A ndre Ayew. In addition to currently being the star of the team, he has really shown a dedication and identification with Swansea since he’s returned to the starting XI. What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?

I love all the kits, but I though the last away strip was very beautiful.

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A CENTURY OF LEAGUE FOOTBALL Historian Gwyn Rees looks at the club’s campaigns throughout its 100-year involvement in the Football League divisions and Premier League.

1952-1953 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 19TH)

1951-1952 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 18TH)

The great drama of the pre-season was the infamous Bogota incident; involving Swans and Wales halfback Roy Paul.

Paul was enticed to South America with the promise of huge amounts of money coming his way but, disillusioned, he returned to this country, where he was placed on the transfer list and soon became a Manchester City player for a large fee of ÂŁ20,000.

Without Paul the Swans struggled on the pitch as the promotion side of two years previous began to break apart, and the young players in the side were taking time to find their feet in this uncompromising league.

Of those youngsters, Ivor Allchurch and goalkeeper John King caught the eye. Even though King conceded five goals on debut against Birmingham it was the start of a tremendous near 12-year stint at the Vetch.

The side finished a lowly 18th, but with Len Allchurch, Terry Medwin and Tom Kiley emerging there was a promise of better times ahead.

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One development of the close season saw a concrete wall erected along the whole length of the North Terrace, with the spectators now standing below the level of the playing area at the West Terrace.

On the field Swansea started strongly, with a 7-1 home defeat of Coventry City a particular highlight. But, even though December brought a 5-0 home win over Rotherham United, the team started to slide nervously down the table.

Once again it was the FA Cup that gave the supporters something to cheer as victories over Reading and Rotherham set up a plumb home tie against cup specialists Newcastle United.

A narrow 0-1 loss meant that the side could concentrate on its precarious league position, with a final day win over Rotherham enough to preserve their status in the division.

1953-1954 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 11TH)

set up an away tie at Everton where the visitors suffered a 3-0 defeat on a snow-covered Goodison Park pitch.

Towards the end of the season the club lost another experienced player, with Billy Lucas being released to become player-manager at Newport County, while a record was created on January 16, 1954 as Swansea faced Luton Town with a side compromised entirely of Welsh players.

The club retained its Second Division status with just three points to spare, with Ron Burgess taking on the role as player-coach at the club.

The struggles of the previous two seasons couldn’t hide the fact the club was developing youngsters of considerable talent. As the season progressed Medwin, Bryn Jones and Mel Charles would break into the first team, with both Harry Griffiths and Cliff Jones also gaining senior experience.

1955-1956 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 10TH)

In early November, when Fulham were the visitors to the Vetch Field, the side comprised of 10 Welshmen with eight having been born in Swansea.

The Swans could also boast four sets of brothers in Ivor and Len Allchurch, Bryn and Cliff Jones, Cyril and Gilbert Beech and Colin and Alan Hole.

A season of consolidation saw the club finish in midtable in the league but, not for the first time, the club had to deny that Ivor Allchurch was to leave the Vetch Field to play for one of the First Division’s glamour sides.

1954-1955 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 20TH)

The new campaign starting promisingly as 25,000 people packed into the Vetch to see a 5-2 win over West Ham marked by some sparkling attacking football.

September brought a 7-1 hammering of Port Vale with all five forwards getting on the score sheet. But the unpredictability of the side was shown up when October saw Bristol Rovers put seven past the Swans without reply.

Nevertheless, there were clear signs of an everdeveloping and improving team, highlighted by an impressive FA Cup run.

A third-round 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers was followed by a 3-1 victory at home against Stoke City in the next round.

Early-season results were mixed, and included heavy defeats at Birmingham City and West Ham. And the loss of Frank Scrine, who signed for Oldham Athletic, and Gilbert Beech to long-term injury meant that the promising youngsters were having to learn on the job.

A difficult season once again saw the FA Cup give the side respite from its travails in the league. A win over Barrow

The draw was kind to the Swans giving them a home tie against an expensively-assembled Sunderland side, who had the mercurial Len Shackleton in their ranks.

A fantastic game of football, on a pitch that had been covered in snow only hours before kick-off, saw the Swans push their First Division opponents all the way, with the game finishing all square at 2-2. The Swans lost the replay to the only goal of the game, but this young side were showing that they were becoming a team to be reckoned with.

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OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

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PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN

STEVEN BENDA

RYAN BENNETT

BEN CABANGO

MARC GUEHI

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE

KYLE NAUGHTON

CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

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MATT GRIMES

KOREY SMITH

KASEY PALMER

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE

WESTACRES

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EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21

52

Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Captain =

FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0

Sat, Sep 5, 3pm

Woodman

Routledge 3

Naughton

Rodon

Fulton

Bidwell 1

Grimes

Preston North End A W 0-1

Sat, Sep 12, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Sep 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2

Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Millwall H W 2-1

Sat, Oct 3, 3pm

Benda

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Huddersfield Town H L 1-2

Sat, Oct 17, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton 3

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Coventry City A D 1-1

Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Bristol City A D 1-1

Sat, Oct 24, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Stoke City H W 2-0

Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett 3

Guehi

Manning 1

Grimes

Blackburn Rovers H W 2-0

Sat, Oct 31, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Brentford A D 1-1

Tue, Nov 3, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Norwich City A L 1-0

Sat, Nov 7, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rotherham United H W 1-0

Sat, Nov 21, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday H

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Nottingham Forest A

Sun, Nov 29, 12pm

Middlesbrough A

Wed, Dec 2, 7pm

Luton Town H

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth H

Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Dec 12, 3pm

Derby County A

Wed, Dec 16, 7.45pm

Barnsley H

Sat, Dec 19, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Reading H

Tue, Dec 29, 5pm

Watford H

Sat, Jan 2, 3pm

Barnsley A

Sat, Jan 16, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers A

Tue, Jan 19, 7.45pm

Brentford H

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Rotherham United A

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Norwich City H

Sat, Feb 6, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Sat, Feb 13, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Wed, Feb 17, 7.45pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Feb 20, 3pm

Coventry City H

Wed, Feb 24, 7.45pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Stoke City A

Wed, Mar 3, 8pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Mar 13, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 3pm

Birmingham City A

Fri, Apr 2, 3pm

Preston North End H

Mon, Apr 5, 3pm

Millwall A

Sat, Apr 10, 3pm

Wycombe Wanderers H

Sat, Apr 17, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Tues, Apr 20, 7.45pm

Reading A

Sat, Apr 24, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, May 1, 3pm

Watford A

Sat, May 8, 3pm

1

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Bennett

Naughton

Bidwell

Grimes

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of November 23, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Smith 2

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Lowe 1

Smith

Gibbs-White 1

Lowe

Smith

Gibbs-White 2

Lowe 1

Ayew

Webb, Naughton, Fulton 2, Routledge, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres 1

Smith

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Evans, Fulton, Dhanda, Palmer 1, Garrick 3, Cullen 2

Smith

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Cabango 3, Bidwell 1, Smith, Palmer 2

Fulton

Dhanda

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Bennett, Manning, Grimes, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 1

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 3

Palmer 3

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Routledge, Dhanda 3, Gyokeres 2

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Cullen 1

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Rushesha, Williams, Smith 3, Cooper, Routledge 1, Palmer 2

Fulton 1 Fulton Fulton

2

1

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Rushesha, Evans, Williams, Dhanda 2, Peterson 3, Asoro 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge 2, Peterson, Cullen

2

1

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 1

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 2

Ayew

Benda, Manning, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen 2

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Manning, Dhanda, Routledge, Cullen, Gyokeres 1 , Cullen, Gyokeres

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

1

Norwich City

12

7

3

2

14

8

6

24

2

Bournemouth

12

6

5

1

19

11

8

23

3

Bristol City

12

7

2

3

16

11

5

23

4

Swansea City

12

6

4

2

14

7

7

22

5

Watford

12

6

4

2

15

10

5

22

6

Reading

12

7

1

4

19

16

3

22

7

Stoke City

12

6

3

3

19

15

4

21

8

Middlesbrough

12

4

6

2

9

6

3

18

9

Millwall

12

4

6

2

11

9

2

18

10

Luton Town

12

5

3

4

10

12

-2

18

11

Brentford

12

4

5

3

17

12

5

17

12

Preston North End

12

5

1

6

16

14

2

16

13

Barnsley

12

4

4

4

14

13

1

16

14

Blackburn Rovers

12

4

3

5

22

15

7

15

15

Cardiff City

12

3

5

4

13

12

1

14

16

Huddersfield Town

12

4

2

6

15

17

-2

14

17

Birmingham City

12

3

5

4

9

11

-2

14

18

Queens Park Rangers

12

3

5

4

12

16

-4

14

19

Rotherham United

12

3

3

6

10

13

-3

12

20

Nottingham Forest

12

3

3

6

9

14

-5

12

21

Coventry City

12

2

3

7

12

23

-11

9

22

Wycombe Wanderers

12

2

2

8

6

19

-13

8

23

Sheffield Wednesday *

12

3

3

6

6

11

-5

6

24

Derby County

12

1

3

8

5

17

-12

6

A

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (A)

Sunday, Nov 29, 12pm

MIDDLESBROUGH (A)

Wednesday, Dec 2, 7pm

LUTON TOWN (H)

Saturday, Dec 5, 3pm

BOURNEMOUTH (H)

Tuesday, Dec 8, 7.45pm

CARDIFF CITY (A)

Saturday, Dec 12, 3pm

Correct as of November 23, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - LUTON TOWN t the time of writing, Luton have enjoyed a solid start to their second season back in the Championship.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last term, Nathan Jones’ side find themselves in 10th plac e and within a handful of point s of the play-off spots.

The Hatters have only been beaten once in their last six games, and suffered two just defeats away from Kenilworth Road since lockdown.

V i c t o r y at t h e L i b e r t y i n J u n e wa s L u t o n’ s first in SA1 since March 2002. Just under six months later, they will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins over the Swans.

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GD PTS

UPCOMING FIXTURES

19 SWANS

22 LUTON TOWN

11 DRAWS 52 PAST MEETINGS

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SQUAD LIST V

HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER Freddie Woodman Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Marc Guéhi Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Jamal Lowe André Ayew Morgan Gibbs-White Steven Benda Viktor Gyökeres Wayne Routledge Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton George Byers Tivonge Rushesha Oli Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango Kasey Palmer

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 30 31 37 38 41 42 44 45

MANAGER: TONY PULIS 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 34 40 45

Keiren Westwood Liam Palmer Joost van Aken Callum Paterson Aden Flint Kadeem Harris Joey Pelupessy Jack Marriott Barry Bannan Adam Reach Julian Börner Matt Penney Tom Lees Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Josh Windass Osaze Urhoghide Jordan Rhodes Massimo Luongo Moses Odubajo Chey Dunkley Isaiah Brown Cameron Dawson Liam Shaw Dominic Iorfa Joe Wildsmith Alex Hunt Joshua Render Ciaran Brennan Conor Grant Elias Kachunga

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: ANDY WOOLMER ASSISTANT REFEREES: MICHAEL GEORGE AND DANIEL LEACH FOURTH OFFICIAL: JOHN BUSBY

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